22 Days in South Africa – Wine, Coastlines and a Slower Way of Traveling

This 22-day journey through South Africa was a balanced mix of cities, coastlines, wine regions and everyday life. Rather than rushing from one highlight to another, the trip focused on slowing down, spending time in each place and enjoying the rhythm of the country.
The route took us from Cape Town and the surrounding coastal areas to the wine regions of Elgin and Franschhoek, through the small town of Barrydale, and finally to Gauteng, including Fourways and Sandton.

Cape Town – City Life by the Ocean
The journey began in Cape Town, a city that effortlessly combines urban life, nature and the ocean. Time was spent walking around the city, enjoying the waterfront, parks and museums, and simply taking in the atmosphere.
One of the more memorable experiences in the Cape Town area was traveling bytrain to Elgin, offering a relaxed pace and scenic views that felt very different from driving. It was a reminder that sometimes the journey itself becomes part of the destination. Also Sunset cruise with old sailing vessel was something else.

Gordon’s Bay – A Slower Coastal Rhythm
From Cape Town, we moved to Gordon’s Bay, where the pace naturally slowed down. The seaside setting, walks along the shore and relaxed dining made it an ideal contrast to the city. Gordon’s Bay works well as a calm stop along the coast and a gateway toward the wine regions.

Barrydale – Small Town, Strong Character
Barrydale, located along Route 62, offered a completely different atmosphere. This small town is full of character, with a focus on local businesses, simple pleasures and genuine hospitality. It was a refreshing pause that highlighted the charm of South Africa’s lesser-known destinations. Metanoia Distillery is must!

Franschhoek – Wine, Food and Atmosphere
Franschhoek was the heart of the trip and the place where we spent the most time. Surrounded by vineyards and mountains, the town offers an inviting mix of wine estates, restaurants and relaxed village life.
The Wine Tram remains one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the area, but Franschhoek also rewards those who take time beyond it. Boutique wineries, wine bars, breweries and high-quality dining create an experience that feels refined yet unpretentious. Evenings often stretched longer than planned, simply because the atmosphere invites you to stay.
Among the visits was Stony Brook Vineyard, a small family-run estate that deliberately stays outside the Wine Tram routes. The focus here is clearly on wine and meaningful tastings rather than high visitor volumes, which gives the place a distinctly personal feel.

Gauteng – Fourways and Sandton
The final part of the journey was spent in Gauteng, mainly around Fourways and Sandton. These days were less about sightseeing and more about everyday life: shopping, dining out, meeting friends and observing how much the area has developed over the years.
Sandton, in particular, has grown into a modern business and lifestyle hub with impressive architecture, restaurants and public spaces, offering a striking contrast to the wine regions visited earlier.

Final Thoughts
This trip once again highlighted how diverse South Africa truly is. Within a single journey, it is possible to experience vibrant cities, peaceful coastlines, world-class wine regions, small towns and modern urban centers.
Rather than focusing on ticking off attractions, this journey was about balance, atmosphere and taking the time to enjoy each place. South Africa continues to offer depth, variety and a sense of familiarity that makes returning feel natural.

Want to dive deeper into each day of our South Africa journey? The full daily stories are available in Finnish here: Matkalla – 2026